Rat bite fever

Last Updated: 2019-08-27

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: -

Place 1926.

Erythema arthriticum epidemicum, Haverhill fever, bacterial rat bite disease, sodoku.

Infection caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, a gram-negative pleomorphic bacillus.

  • A rare disease in Central Europe.
  • More common in Asia.

  • Triggers are a rat bite or contaminated food.
  • Pathogen: Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus (spiral rat bite fever).
  • Incubation period: 1-5 days.

  • Reduced general condition, febrile temperatures, chills, cephalgias, myalgia and gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • After up to 3 days a maculopapular exanthema occurs on the extremities and palmoplantar. Petechia may also be present.

  • Travel anamnesis.
  • Clinic.
  • Blood cultures
  • CAVE: Lues serology can be false positive.

Endocarditis.

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